Greetings Whitman Families,

We are so excited to welcome you all to the Whitman community for the 2021-2022 school year!  The entire staff is delighted to get to know your students, help them succeed and support them in their growth here at school- in person!  We are here as partners with you to keep your children safe, growing both academically and socially, and developing a love of learning.

We are fortunate to continue many of the programs put in place the last few years to support your students.  They include free breakfast for all Whitman students, an art program, professional development for our teachers, rigorous, standards-based curriculum resources which engage students in the learning process, a Restorative Justice approach to behavior, and individual intervention for students who need additional support.  These factors are all part of the whole child education approach we know has a positive impact on student achievement and learning.

PPS has recently shared their multi-layered approach to supporting the safe return of students to school this September which can be viewed on the PPS website or at https://www.mkt-box.com/pps/backtoschool2021 .  There are translation buttons at the top of the website.  Be assured, our team is working diligently to set up social distancing protocols and cleaning procedures in accordance with district guidelines. More specific information about these procedures and guidelines will be shared prior to the start of school. We continue to work with our local health officials to support and implement safe practices to help our whole community to reduce the risk of the spread of Covid. Thank you for being flexible as we respond responsibly.

We will also be sending out school supply lists and information about your child’s teacher next week via School Messenger/Remind.

Important Dates to Know: School starts on September 1st, for 2nd -5th grades and runs daily from 8:45am-3:00pm.  First grade and Kindergarten families will hear separately by Remind/School Messenger about their start date as we are having a soft start for these two grades.  We will send this information at the end of this week.  Doors open at 8:25am, with free breakfast service for all students.

We all look forward to partnering with you this year in the success of your student.  Please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Ms. Garrido, our Assistant Principal, with any concerns or questions you may have.  We look forward to meeting you all!

In partnership,

Stephanie Murdock

Principal, Whitman Elementary  smurdock@pps.net; 503-916-6370